Royal Gardens Walking Tour with Afternoon Tea & Kensington Palace Entry
Visit Diana's Sunken Garden and savor scones in the Orangery before roaming the State Apartments
Stroll through royal gardens with an expert, indulge in traditional afternoon tea inside Queen Anne's Orangery, then wander palace rooms where Queen Victoria grew up. This three-in-one experience takes you from Princess Diana's statue and the Italian Gardens, to a full British tea service with scones, sandwiches, and fine cakes. Afterwards, use your Kensington Palace ticket to explore the King's Staircase, State Apartments, and Jewel Room independently. It's London's most elegant afternoon.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Guided tour through Kensington Gardens
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Traditional afternoon tea at the Orangery
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Kensington Palace entry ticket
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Audio guide for State Rooms
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Small group experience
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A taste of royal tradition
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Guide tips
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Guide in Kensington Palace
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide outside Queensway Station
Your guide waits at the iconic red phone box outside Queensway Underground Station. After introductions, you'll walk into Kensington Gardens, the 275-acre royal park where Princess Diana once lived and raised William and Harry. -
2
Stroll through Kensington Gardens' historic pathways
Greenery surrounds you as your guide shares how William and Mary transformed a country villa into a palace in 1689. You'll learn about royal hunts, Victorian society strolls, and the monarchs who shaped these landscapes. -
3
Admire the Italian Gardens and Peter Pan statue
Symmetrical fountains that Prince Albert commissioned for Queen Victoria in 1860 frame the Long Water, where J.M. Barrie's bronze Peter Pan statue stands. Your guide explains the Victorian elegance of the formal gardens and why Barrie secretly installed his statue here in 1912. -
4
Visit Princess Diana's statue in the Sunken Garden
Step into the tranquil Sunken Garden to see the bronze tribute to the People’s Princess. Surrounded by her favorite forget-me-nots and lilies, your guide recounts her years raising her sons at the palace and her global impact as a humanitarian icon. -
5
Savor traditional afternoon tea in Queen Anne's Orangery
Settle into the elegant tea room that Nicholas Hawksmoor designed in 1704 as a royal greenhouse. Finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, delicate cakes, and fine tea arrive as your guide explains royal tea traditions and etiquette if you wish. -
6
Enter Kensington Palace with included tickets
Your guide walks you to the palace entrance and hands you your ticket. From here, you're free to wander at your own pace through the State Rooms where Queen Victoria spent her childhood and where William and Kate now raise their family. -
7
Explore the State Rooms independently
William Kent's painted King's Staircase rises before you, followed by Mary II's intimate Queen's State Apartments and Victoria's childhood rooms. Your audio guide reveals court scandals, royal secrets, and stories of Princess Margaret's parties in these very halls. -
8
Conclude your visit at the palace
After exploring at your own pace, your tour ends at Kensington Palace. You're welcome to linger in any room, revisit the Jewel Room or special exhibitions, or step into the palace gardens with fresh memories of three centuries of royal life.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for strollers due to the gardens and palace terrain. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance.
Guide: Your guide accompanies you through Kensington Gardens and stays with you during afternoon tea to explain royal traditions and etiquette. Once at the palace entrance, your guide provides your ticket, and you explore the State Rooms independently.
Weather Advisory: This tour runs in rain or shine. The guided walk takes place outdoors in Kensington Gardens, so please dress appropriately for London weather and bring an umbrella if rain is forecast.
Dietary Restrictions: The Orangery offers vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea options. Please contact us in advance with any dietary restrictions or allergies so arrangements can be made with the venue.
Palace Closing Times: Kensington Palace closes at 4pm in winter and 6pm in summer. We recommend spending approximately 90 minutes inside to fully explore the State Rooms, special exhibitions, and palace gardens.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 3.5-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Guided tour through Kensington Gardens
Traditional afternoon tea at the Orangery
Entry ticket to Kensington Palace
Audio guide for self-guided palace exploration
Maximum group size of 10
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera
Water bottle
Umbrella or raincoat (depending on forecast)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, this tour is family friendly and suitable for all ages.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for strollers due to the gardens and palace terrain. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.
Does this tour run if it rains?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine. The guided walk takes place outdoors in Kensington Gardens, so please bring an umbrella or raincoat if rain is forecast. The afternoon tea and palace exploration are indoors.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, the Orangery offers vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea options. Please contact us in advance with any dietary restrictions or allergies so arrangements can be made with the venue.
How long should I plan for this experience?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours total. The guided walk through Kensington Gardens takes about 50 minutes, afternoon tea lasts roughly an hour, and we recommend spending 90 minutes exploring the palace independently to see all the State Rooms and exhibitions.
Does my guide stay with me during tea and in the palace?
Your guide accompanies you through the gardens and stays with you during afternoon tea to explain royal traditions and etiquette. However, you may dine independently if you wish. At the palace entrance, your guide provides your ticket, and you explore the State Rooms independently at your own pace.
